We are looking at a 2001 National Palisades trailer that is in excellent condition. Unfortunatly, just before purchase we discovered that there was a recall on this model for the following:"THE TRAILER PIN BOX STEEL STRUCTURE COULD FAIL AT THE WELDS OR TUBULAR STEEL STRUCTURE DUE TO FATIGUE.Hazard: THIS COULD LEAD TO SEPARATION OF THE STEEL TUBES COMPRISING THE GOOSENECK AND PARTIAL OR COMPLETE DETACHMENT OF THE PIN BOX CONNECTION BETWEEN THE TOW VEHICLE AND THE FIFTH WHEEL GOOSENECK STEEL STRUCTURE.Remedy: DEALERS WILL REINFORCE THE GOOSENECK STRUCTURAL STEEL ASSEMBLY."I am not familiar with the the structure of a 5th wheel frame so I am having a hard time understanding the severity of this issue and if it can be repaired for a reasonable price. We are calling dealerships for their input and quotes but I thought it would be wise to seek your help in understanding this issue. Thanks.

Run, don't walk away. There are too many good 5th wheels out there to buy one that has to be "made right". I would feel that if this portion of the 5th wheel has to be repaired, then it possible there are other parts that will need it but don't fail often enough to be recalled. I wouldn't touch it with a ten foot pole, or a five foot Slav. Har, har. Seriously, I would keep looking, there's lots of 5th wheels out there.

I understand the gist of your comment for sure. "Don't even bother" However, I'd still like to at least know what the "gooseneck" is in this recall posting. Whenever I look up the word gooseneck in regards to 5th wheels the search results only pertain to gooseneck hitches. So, what is exactly the problem? Is it just the pinbox or is it the frame?

Just my interpretation, but it seems to me, they are referring to the FW overhang frame work/tubing, that the pin box is attached to. I would not trust this job to an RV dealer, but maybe a trailer manufacturer/repair shop with qualified welders. Unless it is a great buy, and you understand the risk, I'd walk away.Jerry

I would have to ask how serious the problem really is if a trailer almost 20 years old has not had a problem.

Same problems that happen today. Pick your poison

5th wheel frame recall repair | Good Sam Community

fj12ryder
Explorer III
Feb 18, 2019
Run, don't walk away. There are too many good 5th wheels out there to buy one that has to be "made right". I would feel that if this portion of the 5th wheel has to be repaired, then it possible there are other parts that will need it but don't fail often enough to be recalled. I wouldn't touch it with a ten foot pole, or a five foot Slav. Har, har. Seriously, I would keep looking, there's lots of 5th wheels out there.
TorQ
Explorer
Feb 18, 2019
I understand the gist of your comment for sure. "Don't even bother" However, I'd still like to at least know what the "gooseneck" is in this recall posting. Whenever I look up the word gooseneck in regards to 5th wheels the search results only pertain to gooseneck hitches. So, what is exactly the problem? Is it just the pinbox or is it the frame?
MFL
Nomad II
Feb 18, 2019
Just my interpretation, but it seems to me, they are referring to the FW overhang frame work/tubing, that the pin box is attached to. I would not trust this job to an RV dealer, but maybe a trailer manufacturer/repair shop with qualified welders. Unless it is a great buy, and you understand the risk, I'd walk away.

Jerry
Bird_Freak
Explorer II
Feb 18, 2019
I would have to ask how serious the problem really is if a trailer almost 20 years old has not had a problem.
Wild_Card
Explorer
Feb 18, 2019
Same problems that happen today. Pick your poison
pcaffrey
Explorer
Feb 18, 2019
My question would be what is the date of the recall, (ie, 2004, 05) it is 18 years old, And maybe it has already been repaired. Could have it inspected by a reputable person.
B_O__Plenty
Explorer II
Feb 19, 2019
Who's going to do the recall? Are they in business anymore. Nobody will do this for free except the manufacturer. I'd walk away. There's tons of old trailers out there. Why pick one that has a defect.
B.O.
TorQ
Explorer
Feb 19, 2019
Of course I realize that no one would do the work for free. The point was to understand the problem and then see if it could be solved for a reasonable amount of money.

At this point there isn't a party involved that can assure us that the problem can be safely rectified so we will be passing. Its the right
thing to do but man what an amazing trailer to pass up. There may be a ton of trailers out there but the good ones in our price bracket are few and far between. Thanks all for your input.
JIMNLIN
Explorer III
Feb 19, 2019
I certainly wouldn't pass up a well priced 18 year old camper if it was what I wanted.
Hell if the failure hasn't happened in 18 years it ain't going to happen if the trailer has lots of towing miles.

Another point is maybe the unit already has the recall work done.

Can it be fixed at a reasonable price ?? Much depends as much depends on the shop doing the work. The shop that did mine charged just over 600 bucks. That included dropping the underside filon panel.....reinforcing the structure....buttoning and resealing the filon panel. That was in '03 and prices are higher now IMO.
MFL
Nomad II
Feb 19, 2019
I kind of agree with Jim ^^^, but we do not know if it is a great value for the price, or the history, is it still being used, or been parked for many years? Can it be hooked up, to check for movement of pinbox, or frame? Is there a trailer specialty shop nearby? I have a great place less than 10 miles from my house, that could easily make this repair.

I would expect the repair price to be higher than the $600 that Jim was charged in 03, but could be less than 1K. If mostly labor, at say $120 an hour, likely one 8 hour day at most.

As with any RV, there are likely many things that will need attention. OP...how handy are you, to do smaller fixes/maintenance?

Jerry

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